Shepherded: Psalm 23 for the Single ChristianSample

# A Soul Made Whole Brokenness in our soul is unavoidable. We have all experienced some sort of pain, loss, or trauma in our lives, and we will experience more. These experiences are part of our humanity, and they profoundly impact our souls. So what is a soul? A soul is made up of your mind, will and emotions. The way you think, the way you react, your triggers, your desire and determination to do good or to do evil, the well-being and management of your emotions – all of these are aspects of your soul. Finding healing and wholeness for our souls is not only essential for a flourishing life, but also necessary for healthy and thriving relationships. Whatever is going on in your soul realm will always make its way into your relationships. Woundedness in your soul does not go away on its own. The old adage “Time heals all wounds” is both a false and profoundly damaging belief. The wounds of your soul will fester and antagonize you until they are dealt with, and they affect every close relationship in your life. In Psalm 103, David speaks to his soul, > “Don’t forget what God does for you” – and included in that list? > “He heals all your diseases.” Remember, David is speaking not to his body, but to his soul. God heals the diseases of a soul. What kind of disease can a soul have? Souls don’t get cancer or SARS viruses, right? Let’s take the word disease literally: dis-ease. A lack of ease. When has your soul been diseased? Maybe even now there is an uneasiness that has settled in your mind, will, and/or emotions. Take an honest inventory – how is your soul right now? Where is healing needed? Jesus knows how to bring restoration. Ask Him how you can partner with Him in this process. Enjoy the benefit of the many tools God has blessed us with to aid in your soul’s healing: speak to a pastor or a mentor; get counseling; invite people to pray with you; do some in-depth studies; see a doctor if you need to – be open and humble enough to receive the help provided for you. Soul restoration is often a journey over time with a lot of effort. And then, like David in Psalm 116:7, your soul can return to its rest in God’s goodness.